Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

How yoga can lower the lockdown stress

BHAVISHA PANKHANIA ON USING THE ANCIENT INDIAN PRACTICE TO HEAL

by PRIYA MULJI


MAINTAINING mental and physical health has been important during lockdown.

The cross-generational exercise that has been helping people of all ages during self-isolation is yoga. Many have taken online yoga classes, while others have followed tutorials on video sharing sites or read up on the practice that originated in ancient India. That popularity was celebrated on International Yoga Day on June 21.

London-based Bhavisha Pankhania comes from a family of yoga teachers and yogis, so was inspired to learn about it and subsequently turn it into a successful career. The trained yoga master has helped people with an exercise that benefits mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, including during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Eastern Eye caught up with Pankhania to get an insight into yoga, how it can help during lockdown, key advice for beginners and the importance of staying healthy during these trying times.

Tell us about the yoga you specialise in?

I specialise in vinyasa and yin yoga. I did my training in hatha yoga back in 2006, which was the beginning of my yoga journey. Soon after, I became certified in pregnancy, hot yoga, meditation and the list goes on. I love the dynamic, vigorous practice that vinyasa yoga offers, but I also admire and respect slowing down and the yin part of the yoga practice.

How can yoga help people cope during lockdown?

It is really based on the individual. Every day is different and it really depends on how you’re feeling. Every practice is different, whether you are practising a dynamic class or a more restorative class. Yes, it can help, but depends on the person and finding what works for them.

What is the best type of yoga to practise when confined indoors?

That really depends on what your goal is and what you’re working on?

Others may disagree, but in my opinion there is no ‘best’ type of yoga. The yoga that is best is what’s right for you in that particular moment in time. A little research on the options available will help and a trained practitioner can also help you find what is right for you.

Are there any specific yoga moves that are more helpful than others?

That also depends on what you are working on, but yes, absolutely there are certain poses that will help you release tension in certain areas of the body. For example, a simple child’s pose can really calm the mind and bring your parasympathetic nervous system to a more calming state. The parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate right down.

What is your favourite yoga move?

I have a few that I have recently started practising again. I love inversions. The strength factor of being upside down is really challenging and there’s something thrilling about it. My favourites have to be headstand, scorpion and crow.

What key advice would you give beginners wanting to do yoga during lockdown?

My advice would be to just show up on your mat. I still consider myself a beginner and am always learning. There is no end game in yoga. It’s a lifelong journey. You get better as you practise, just like anything else in life. One day the light in your brain clicks and you think, ‘why didn’t I start this ages ago?’. I love teaching beginners and changing their mind-sets on what yoga is and that it’s more than being in crazy contorted postures. Even going back to the basics is really important in some of my advanced classes. We forget simple things like how to breathe using our ‘ujjay breath’ or sitting upright on our ‘sits bones’.

Tell us about the mental health benefits of yoga in lockdown?

When I think of mental health, right away what comes to mind are depression and anxiety. When we think of the past, depression comes to mind and the future can trigger anxiety. We can’t change the past or future, but can the present. That’s when yoga comes in. Showing up on your mat practising a few simple postures to get your juices flowing can really make a massive difference. It doesn’t have to be long. You can practise 10-15 minutes a day.

What are the key physical benefits of yoga?

The physical benefits of yoga are endless. The first one that comes to mind is that yoga relieves stress. Yoga will also increase flexibility, muscle strength and tone, along with improving respiration, energy and vitality. It will help maintain a balanced metabolism and reduce weight. Yoga also helps with cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury.

What are some good ways for people to practise yoga when confined indoors?

A great way to practise yoga when confined indoors is to create the right setting or space. The space should be quiet, clutter free and anything you feel will create a calming, relaxed space. Maybe add a few plants, candles, incense and different colour lighting.

Has there been a rise in video/zoom call led yoga?

There has definitely been an increase in video/zoom calls. Let’s just say quarantine has not been a break for me. I don’t know what we would do without video conferencing, Facetime or zoom.

What are the common misperceptions people have about yoga?

The biggest misconception people have about yoga is you have to be flexible. Yoga is not about flexibility or being able to touch your toes and goes way beyond that. Once you start practising, you’ll see. Yes, the flexibility comes with practice, but it is more about training the mind. There are eight limbs in yoga, which are yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). They say once you’ve mastered the eight limbs of yoga, you’ve become a yogi, which can take a lifetime.

How has yoga helped you?

Where do I begin? Yoga isn’t just a physical practice for me. Yes, it started that way. Yoga has made me stronger, mentally, physically and emotionally on all levels. I get stronger and stronger each day. I actually feel like ‘superwoman’ with the coolest powers.

How important is it to keep the physical and mental health good during the Covid-19 lockdown?

It is so important to keep up your physical practice and that’s with anything you do, not just yoga. The more active you remain, the more mental clarity you will have. It’s very easy to feel down and depressed, especially during these difficult times. It’s hard to cope with changes. Try and look at these changes in a positive way. Life has completely slowed down, so use the chance to take up something new. If yoga is something new for you, that’s great, but it could be anything. Be optimistic, be healthy and believe that you can.

Visit Instagram: @bhavishayoga

More For You

heatwave

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts

Getty Images

Doctors warn of hidden signs of heat stroke as UK issues amber alerts

Key points

  • Amber heat-health alerts issued as temperatures approach 35°C in parts of the UK.
  • Early signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, and dizziness.
  • Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke if not treated within 30 minutes.
  • At-risk groups include the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions.
  • NHS and health experts urge people to stay hydrated, cool, and avoid midday sun.

Medical experts are urging the public to remain alert for the early signs of heat stroke, as temperatures across parts of England are expected to reach up to 35°C. The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts, warning that extreme heat can have serious health impacts. Doctors stress that symptoms can begin subtly, making early intervention crucial.

Heat alerts across multiple regions

Amber-level warnings are in effect for the West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, South East, South West, London, and the East of England.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Clarkson pub

The controversy surrounding the ketchup ban caught the attention of British condiment company Condimaniac

Getty Images

Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub ends ketchup ban with British-made alternative

Key points

  • Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub banned non-British products, including ketchup and Coca-Cola.
  • The rule sparked months of backlash from customers who called it “weird”.
  • British condiment company Condimaniac developed a 100% British-sourced ketchup in response.
  • The new ketchup will be stocked at the pub, but only in full bottles for purchase.
  • Some visitors remain critical as the condiment isn’t yet available for table use.

Jeremy Clarkson’s strict British-only policy at his Farmer’s Dog pub has caused considerable controversy since its launch, particularly due to the absence of staple condiments like ketchup. However, a recent development by a British condiment company could finally offer a compromise. The pub will now stock a fully British-sourced ketchup developed in response to the ban, although it will only be available to buy in bottles rather than offered with meals.

Clarkson's British-only policy sparked backlash

When Jeremy Clarkson opened the Farmer’s Dog pub in the Cotswolds, featured on the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, he introduced a strict rule: the pub would serve only 100% British food and drink. This ethos was designed to promote local sourcing and support British farming and production.

Keep ReadingShow less
Turkey wildfires 2025

The Turkey wildfires have not been limited to Izmir

Getty Images

Turkey wildfires disrupt travel as Izmir airport closes

Key points

  • Tourists stranded after Foça wildfire halts flights at Izmir airport
  • At least 550 people evacuated from homes in the region
  • Over 600 personnel deployed to contain the blaze
  • Strong winds and heat raise risk of further fires

Wildfires force airport shutdown in Turkish holiday hotspot

Hundreds of UK tourists, including several from Glasgow, have been left stranded after major wildfires swept through a popular holiday destination in western Turkey, forcing the closure of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

The blaze broke out in the resort town of Foça, near Izmir, and was rapidly intensified by strong winds, prompting large-scale evacuations and flight disruptions. All operations at the airport were suspended from 4 pm local time due to ongoing extinguishing efforts, with multiple flights reportedly diverted.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shefali Jariwala

Glutathione and anti ageing drugs under spotlight after Shefali Jariwala death

Instagram/shefalijariwala

Did anti-ageing pills, beauty supplements and glutathione trigger Shefali Jariwala’s death?

Quick highlights:

  • Shefali Jariwala died at 42 in Mumbai after reportedly collapsing post-fast; cause of death suspected to be cardiac arrest or blood pressure drop.
  • Police found anti-ageing pills, vitamin supplements, and glutathione injections at her residence.
  • Doctors stress the risks of unsupervised use of hormone-based and anti-ageing treatments.
  • Final post-mortem report expected in two days; no foul play suspected, case treated as accidental death.

The untimely death of actor-model Shefali Jariwala has sparked renewed concern over the unregulated use of anti-ageing treatments and self-medication. The 42-year-old, best known for her appearance in Kaanta Laga, was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital on Friday night. Initial investigations suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest following a steep drop in blood pressure, possibly linked to taking supplements on an empty stomach.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prada 2026 sandals

Prada acknowledges Indian influence behind its Spring Summer 2026 men’s footwear

Instagram/prada/iStock

Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspired 2026 sandals after Indian backlash over Milan show

Quick highlights:

• Prada confirms Indian roots behind 2026 ‘leather sandals’ after controversy
• Indian artisans and officials accused the brand of cultural appropriation
• The footwear resembles traditional Kolhapuri chappals with GI status
• Prada says designs are still in development and open to dialogue with India

Keep ReadingShow less